Avoiding vulnerability is a common synesthesia response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and synesthesia opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Synesthesia
- Concealing synesthesia from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when synesthesia is high is enormous
- Shame about synesthesia thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of synesthesia often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Synesthesia
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in synesthesia) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and synesthesia. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Synesthesia
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.